If you’ve started thinking about where to go to uni, chances are you’ll have heard of the Russell Group by now. The group consists of 24 high-ranking, research-led universities in the UK; these unis tend to be the ones that top the ranking tables each year and see students fighting it out for competitive places; they’re highly thought of amongst companies and employers, and they often attract the most notable academics.

But do they actually offer a better standard of teaching than non-Russell Group unis?

According to their website, “The Russell Group represents 24 leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with business and the public sector.”

Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General and CEO of the Russell Group, further emphasises the quality of their teaching. “Russell Group universities have higher than average levels of satisfaction with the quality of their courses and some of the best university completion rates in the world,” she says.

Oxford University (pictured) is a member of the Russell Group

Are Russell Group uni students satisfied with their courses?

At first glance, it’s pretty hard to dispute the overall benefits of going to a Russell Group uni. As Wendy points out, RG unis are populated by world-leading academics, and students get access to first-rate facilities and libraries. Students also stand a strong chance of finding work after they graduate.

“In terms of employability, 11 of the top 30 universities in the world, as ranked by employers, are Russell Group universities,” says Wendy, “and in 2013/14 22 of the 25 universities visited by the largest number of graduate employers were from the Russell Group.”

Russell Group universities also performed well in last year’s National Student Survey (NSS). 68,000 Russell Group university students took part in the survey, and results showed they record a higher level of satisfaction than students elsewhere. “88% of undergraduates at Russell Group universities are satisfied with their course compared to 85% in the sector overall,’ explains Wendy. “And of course, the best test is what choices students are making – they vote with their feet by applying for courses at our universities in high number, more than 6 applications for every place.”

The Russell Group vs. the Rest

But are things really that clear cut? From the results of the NSS it’s obvious that, on average, students at Russell Group universities enjoy a relatively high level of course satisfaction. But this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go to a Russell Group uni to receive good teaching.

Although Russell Group unis performed well in all 9 categories of the Awards, it’s worth noting that none of the Top 10 unis in our Course & Lecturers category are members of the Russell Group:

Pictured: The Top 10 Unis for Course & Lecturers, voted by students

Although four RG unis did get in to the Top 20, and Exeter and Glasgow took the 11th and 12th places, the Russell Group is noticeably absent from Top 10 in this category.

So what does it all mean?

Let’s be clear – the fact that no Russell Group unis make it into the Top 10 for the Course & Lecturers category doesn’t necessarily mean that students at RG unis aren’t satisfied by their courses; it just means that there are other unis out there where students are equally, if not more, satisfied.

There’s no denying that Russell Group universities have a vast number of benefits and advantages, but the key is not to be disheartened if you don’t get into one. It’s not the be-all and end-all, and if the Student Choice Awards show anything, it’s that there are other unis (no matter their size, age, or even their place in the league tables) where you can end up having just as good an experience.